The loss drops the Cougars to 4-5 in the conference and 9-15 overall. Merced remains in second place with a 7-2 record (15-10 overall). The Blue Devils’ only conference losses were to unbeaten defending champion Fresno.

“The only thing we can do is get ready for the next one,” he said.

That one is Saturday night – the home finale – when sophomores will be honored.

College of the Sequoias (6-3, 14-9) comes to town for a 5 p.m. tip-off in the Al Baldock Cougar Sports Center.